The testing session began positively with Dennis Hauger leading the way on day one, albeit under conditions affected by torrential rain, making the running somewhat unrepresentative. MP Motorsport, like all teams in the Formula 2 pitlane, found themselves playing catch-up due to the lost running in dry conditions. Team Manager Jeremy Cotterill expressed regret over the unexpected downpour, especially considering the unfinished tasks related to the arrival of the new 2024 car.
Despite the challenges, Cotterill emphasized the importance of learning and gathering as much data as possible during the truncated testing period. Hauger’s strong performance on day one placed him and the team at the top, but subsequent days saw no standout times. Nevertheless, both Hauger and rookie teammate Franco Colapinto consistently hovered around the top 10 in the remaining sessions, focusing on understanding the nuances of the new car.
Now, the team faces the task of conducting extensive analysis to gauge their position relative to rivals ahead of the upcoming race weekend. Cotterill described this as something of a “dark art,” highlighting the complexity of assessing performance in motorsport.
Both drivers have been diligently learning about the differences between the 2023 and 2024 machines, with a focus on mastering the intricacies of tire management and car behavior. While the team has some idea of their competitors’ progress, Cotterill stressed that true details remain elusive.
Despite some setbacks, the overall test experience has been positive, with each challenge offering new insights and directions for improvement. Hauger and Colapinto expressed optimism about their early experiences with the new car, though the true test will come during the upcoming race weekends.